On August 21, 2020, Mr. Yerlan A. Baidaulet, the Director-General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) met the group of leading agricultural scientists in Almaty (Republic of Kazakhstan) headed by Ms. Galiya U. Akimbekovam, the chief of the Kazakh Research Institute of Economics and Agro-industrial Complex and Development of the Rural Areas, the doctor of Economic Sciences and Professor. At this meeting, in addition to the research workers of this research institute, Mr. Abdrakhman M. Ombaev, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences (in many areas of animal breeding), professor, academician, as well as Mrs. Asiya D. Serikbaeva, Doctor of Biological Sciences, known for her developments in the Halal standardization and food safety took part.
During the meeting, Mr. Yerlan A. Baidaulet informed the representatives of the Kazakh scientific community about the main programmes and projects of the IOFS aimed at developing trade, economic, investment and humanitarian cooperation between the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In particular, such programs as: (a) uniting the interests of food industry enterprises of the OIC countries through the creation of the International Islamic Food Processing Association; (b) the project «Eid Al Adha (Kurban Meat)» - providing for the creation of an international system (on-line platform) for organizing the slaughter of sacrificial animals and distribution of meat among the needy population of Islamic countries; (c) further plans for the development of the Halal industry in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. The scientists were also informed about the work begun by the IOFS Secretariat on launching the OIC Food Balance Database and the opening opportunities for updating analytical data and conducting international research in this area.
The Kazakhstani side spoke about the state, potential and pace of development of the food industry and the sheep breeding industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, about the latest scientific achievements in these areas. At the meeting were discussed prospects and opportunities for the agricultural sector of Kazakhstan from cooperation with the Muslim countries of the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa.
The parties agreed to continue building relationships in these areas and on a practical basis to intensify further cooperation in terms of scientific and analytical support of the above-mentioned IOFS programs.
